Page 15 of Face Off
“You haven’t seen her.”
“I’ve seen enough.”
“Social media isn’t the same as standing in front of someone.”
“I understand how eyesight works.”
“She’s stronger.”
“I never thought she was weak.”
Cade glanced at me.
“She was trained,” I said. “There’s a difference.”
“You were the first person who said that to her.”
“Didn’t make her believe me.”
“Maybe she does now.”
The idea hurt in ways anger never had. I wanted Charm to believe every good thing I tried to give her. I wanted her to know she was talented, brave, funny, intelligent, and worthy of being loved without first performing well enough to earn it.
I wanted her to know it even if she learned too late for us.
“That’s good,” I said.
Cade remained quiet for another mile.
“You’re allowed to be happy that she’s doing well and still hate what it cost you.”
“I know.”
“You’re also allowed to change your mind.”
My attention snapped toward him. “Don’t.”
“I’m not pushing you toward her.”
“Sounds close.”
“I’m reminding you that a boundary isn’t a prison sentence. You set it because you needed it then. If you still need it, keep it. If something has changed, you’re allowed to admit that without making what happened less real.”
“I haven’t even seen her yet.”
“I know.”
“So, stop planning the emotional conclusion before we reach the fitting.”
“Bliss must be rubbing off on me.”
“That should terrify you.”
“It does.”
He turned into a private parking garage beneath a building I recognized from previous visits. The Range Rover descended into the dim concrete structure while I watched the signal disappear from my phone.
Somewhere beyond the garage, a suit waited that Charm probably helped choose. Wedding schedules carried both our names. In less than a week, her hand would rest against my arm while we walked toward an altar meant for our best friends.
